Government Relations & Advocacy

In order to positively impact laws, regulations, policies and other decisions regarding their industries or professions, organizations leverage the proven advocacy track record and expertise of SmithBucklin’s subject-matter experts, lobbying professionals and chief staff executives. Our specialists provide a wide range of government relations services, including legislative and regulatory outcomes influence, strategies to protect, grow and preserve business sectors and professions, industry-specific guidance and compliance counseling, and educational material development. We also utilize traditional forms of advocacy, such as monitoring, presence building and political action, both at the state and federal levels, as well as innovative thought leadership offerings for professional development, training and certification. Most importantly, we understand how government relations and advocacy can make an impact for associations, and we use these tools to help our client organizations achieve their missions.

Association’s Advocacy Efforts Lead to Legislative Successes

The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation led a coalition that supported legislation that was introduced and successfully passed requiring Medicare reimbursement for cardiac and pulmonary services.

Organization Helps Lead the Industry’s Response

In response to a provision included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act banning physician ownership of hospitals and capping existing hospital ownership, the Physician Hospitals of America took action by drafting public policy papers, sponsoring research, raising substantial political donations and implementing a public relations strategy that targeted both the media and Congress.

Society Creates a National Registry in Conjunction with the FDA

After discussions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the executive director of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) led the creation of a national registry to provide more information and research about the comparative effectiveness, quality of life and safety associated with surgical and nonsurgical treatments for pelvic floor disorders (PFD). The registry provides a platform for the industry to conduct required FDA post-marketing surveillance studies for transvaginal mesh products.